To develop indicators of program quality for Even Start family literacy programs

To strengthen State infrastructure in relation to Ohio's major educational reforms efforts and in relation to special needs populations

To provide opportunities at all levels to develop awareness and disseminate information about scientifically-based research on literacy and reading for service providers, parents, and child care providers of 0-5 children, including information for special needs populations

To provide technical assistance for family literacy program development and/or enhancement especially for REA schools and programs serving special needs populations

To develop strategies to strengthen local evaluations for Even Start family literacy projects

To influence State policy

To evaluate the Family Literacy Statewide Initiative in order to strengthen the initiative.

Project Description

Building on a history of supporting providers and potential providers of family services, the initiative will broaden its focus to support the development of quality four-component family literacy programs in schools receiving REA funds and in programs serving LEP, migrant, and homeless families, and adults and children with disabilities. In addition to the current five non-Even Start-funded Demonstration Sites, at least four model programs that serve special needs populations will be identified as demonstration sites. All Even Start and non-Even Start Family Literacy Demonstration Sites will provide technical assistance to communities in program development stages. As Even Start programs begin to operate based on Statewide quality indicators and as programs are evaluated according to performance, Even Start program quality will be enhanced so that these programs can serve as even stronger models for other family literacy programs.

Priorities

Using research on reading and literacy in program planning

Implementing a professional development plan for staff

Increasing the intensity of family literacy activities for school-age children (up to 7 years old)